How To Increase Stomach Acid

The following is described by Dr. Jeffrey Dach M.D.

“Mainstream medicine docs will never measure gastric acid. Instead, mainstream docs merely assume the problem is excess stomach acid, and then prescribe acidblocking drugs like the proton pump inhibitors, Prilosec, Nexium, Tagamet, etc. As you know by now, acid blocking drugs are not the answer to a low gastric acid condition , and will merely make the patient worse.”

Betain HCL with Pepsin, Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics

“Acid replacement is readily available from the health food store as Betain HCL with Pepsin. The Betaine HCL capsules are taken with meals according to a Schedule Sheet which we review and hand out at the office. The sheet can be found Here:Testing_Low_Stomach_Acidity”

Self-testing and treatment for low HCl / Hypochlorhydria:

“Begin by taking one capsule of Betaine HCl/Pepsin with a large meal containing fat and protein. A normal response in a healthy person would be discomfort—basically a heartburn feeling. If you do not feel a burning sensation, at the next meal, start taking two capsules with each large meal.

If there are no adverse “heartburn feelings” or other discomfort after two days, then increase the number of capsules with each meal to three capsules.

Continue increasing the number of capsules every 2 days, using up to eight capsules with each meal if necessary. These dosages may seem large, but a normally functioning stomach manufactures considerably more. You’ll know you’ve taken too much if you experience tingling, heartburn, diarrhea, or any type of discomfort including a feeling of unease, digestive discomfort, neck ache, backache, headache, or any new odd symptom. If you experience tingling, burning, or any symptom that is uncomfortable, you can neutralize the acid with 1 tsp baking soda in water or milk.

When you reach a state of tingling, burning, or any other type of discomfort, cut back by one capsule per meal. If the discomfort continues, discontinue the HCl and consult with your healthcare professional.

Once you have established a dose (either 8 capsules or less, if warmth or heaviness occurs), continue this dose.

With smaller meals, you may require less Betaine HCl so you may reduce the amount of capsules taken.

Individuals with very moderate HCl deficiency generally show rapid improvement in symptoms and have early signs of intolerance to the acid. This typically indicates a return to normal acid secretion.

Individuals with low HCl/pepsin typically do not experience such quick improvement, so to maximize the absorption and benefits of the nutrients you take, it is important to be consistent.

Treatment with Apple Cider Vinegar

“A milder form of treatment is with the acid, apple cider vinegar, one tablespoon taken before each meal. Use the raw/unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar. The apple cider vinegar commonly found in supermarkets is usually pasteurized.

Braggs or something similar at the health food store is a good bet. Besides being unpasteurized, it may be unfiltered with floating particulate matter, called the mother which causes the vinegar to ferment, and isn’t harmful.”

How to take your Apple Cider Vinegar

“Start with a small amount, a teaspoon or half a teaspoon in a glass of water and drink. After a few days, gradually increase to one or two tablespoons before each meal. If you continue more than two weeks,, drink through a straw to avoid fental exposure to the acid.”

Other Nutrients

Dr. Jerry Tennant writes in “Healing Is Voltage”:

"You must take iodine, zinc, and vitamin B1 so that you can start making stomach acid. Also, while you are correcting those deficiencies, you must take Betaine with each meal. This pill from the beet plant makes stomach acid,"